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Montero accuses the PP of promoting “fake news in Brussels” with the VAT on electricity

The Ministry of Finance and its head, Maria Jesus Montero, are notably upset with the Popular Party, which they accuse of committing “fake news” and ” misrepresent ” the words of the minister in relation to the VAT applied to electricity.

The anger has been unleashed by the fact that the popular MEPs have sent a question to the European Commission to find out if there really is “aA legal impediment that does not allow Spain to lower the VAT on electricity and as the Government Spokesperson, MarÃa Jesús Montero, assures “.

But “the reality”, according to the Ministry, is that “the Minister of Finance and government spokesman, Maria Jesus Montero, has never made a statement in this regard nor has it affirmed that Community regulations prevent lowering VAT on electricity “.

What Montero did in the press conference after the Council of Ministers last Wednesday, continues the Ministry, is “a general reflection and recalled that the European Commission usually points out in its reports that Spain has a relatively low VAT collection due to the intensive use of the reduced and super-reduced rate”.

“At no time did Montero speak of prohibitions or sanctions and he limited himself to recalling a recurring opinion of the European Commission when it analyzes the Spanish economy and its tax system “, adds the Treasury.

Shield in Brussels depending on the case

And indeed, Montero did not say at any time that there was a legal impediment, but he did hide in Brussels so as not to apply that possible VAT reduction of 21% that Spain applies to the light. Other countries do apply a lower rate to electricity and, in any case, there are other aspects in which the Treasury or the Government as a whole ignore European recommendations. For example: lpensions or debt containment, to cite just a few cases.

In addition, there is a clear collection component in the government’s decision not to lower VAT on one of the most expensive invoices in Europe, as it would have a notable impact on what the State receives from this tax.

And to all this must be added the episode of VAT on masks, the reduction of which, according to Montero, was prohibited by Brussels despite the fact that it was already being applied in other countries. Finally, the Treasury decreed a reduction of this figure, a decision that other neighboring countries had taken months before. One of them was Portugal, which just last year decided to significantly lower VAT on electricity.

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